The Best Golf Trip Packing List: Everything You Need for Your Golf Trip

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Summer is almost here, which means golf season is too! It’s time to start planning your next golf getaway. With all the tasks involved—finding courses, choosing the right tee times, flights, and hotels—it’s easy to overlook the essentials: your golf trip packing list. To help you out, I’ve put together my ultimate packing list to make planning your next golf trip a bit easier!

If you are planning a golf trip to Dallas, check out my top public courses here!

ESSENTIAL GOLF ITEMS FOR PLAY & TRAVEL 

Golf Clubs

First things first—make sure your favorite golf clubs are good to go! If you don’t usually clean and maintain your club heads, grips, and shafts, now’s the time to do it. You don’t want to deal with repairs or replacements on your trip. Plus, if you’re heading to places with strict sanitation rules (like islands or small countries), clean gear can help you breeze through security.

Pro tip: Use warm water and a bristle brush or toothbrush to scrub off any caked-on dirt and grime. If you can, remove the club heads from your driver and woods for a thorough cleaning and protection while traveling!

Golf Bag

Packing the right golf bag is so important for golf trips. For those with a collection of bags, it’s smart to travel with the lightest and most comfortable carry bag you have, but you also want one that is durable.

If you’re shopping for a great travel bag, I highly recommend Vessel bags. They’re a top pick among PGA pros and athletes. Vessel bags offer all the features of a cart bag without the extra weight, helping you save on check-in fees while ensuring all your gear arrives safely at your destination.

Golf Travel Case

When it comes to safely transporting your clubs and golf bag—arguably the most important item on this packing list—a reliable golf club travel case is a must-have. Whether you favor a cart bag, stand bag, or staff bag, you’ll need a lightweight yet durable travel case to protect your clubs and essentials from any travel mishaps.

If you’re in the market for one, I once again recommend the soft-sided golf travel cover from Vessel. Additionally, it’s wise to add extra padding inside the case—remember, airports don’t handle your clubs with the same care you do!

Golf Balls and Tees 

Make sure to pack plenty of golf balls and tees for your entire trip. Running out on the front 9 is the last thing you want. Besides, you’ll likely want to avoid the price hikes you’ll encounter at pro shops. If you are like me, packing 3 to 6 extra balls per round is a safe bet!

Divot Repair Tool 

Regardless of where you’re playing, it’s important to show respect and keep the course in great shape. Don’t forget to bring along a divot repair tool—they’re affordable on Amazon and far more effective than just using a tee! I suggest finding one with a ball marker as well.

Golf Towel 

While some courses offer towels in the golf cart, it’s wise to bring along at least two towels. Use one for cleaning your club heads and the other for your hands and grips!

Rangefinder 

When you’re trying out a new course, expect to take a bit more time figuring out distances and getting used to the playing conditions. Even if you’re not too worried about your score, having a rangefinder will definitely come in handy.

There are loads of phone apps with GPS that give you an aerial view of each hole and distance info! My top pick is 18birdies, because it is free and has everything you need. Don’t forget extra batteries or a portable charger!

ESSENTIAL GOLF APPAREL 

Golf Clothes

Your destination will determine your golf attire. Just like any trip, it’s important to check the forecast beforehand. If it’s warm, pack lightweight, breathable golf shirts, extra shorts, and plenty of socks. For colder climates, make sure to include long sleeves, compression shirts, and windbreakers. If you’re off to a place with unpredictable weather, it’s a good idea to pack at least one warm and one cold outfit.

Warm Layer & Rain Gear

For a cold weather trip, be sure to have a warm, waterproof jacket and umbrella. The weather may change unexpectedly and you wouldn’t want a little rain to ruin your golf trip! Almost all golf bags can fit a cover up jacket and an umbrella.

Golf Gloves

Forgetting to pack your golf gloves isn’t the end of the world, but it’s a time and money saver to stash your favorite pair in your bag. And if you know you go through them fast, throw in a few extra pairs just in case.

Golf Shoes

While you’re busy packing your clothes and toiletries, it’s a breeze to forget about your golf shoes. Whether you tuck them into a golf travel case, duffel bag, or shoe bag, just make sure you’ve got them before you take off. And if you’re in the market for a new pair, I suggest checking out some waterproof ones! Wet shoes can really put a damper on your last few rounds.

Pro tip: Toss in a few extra spikes and a spike replacement tool in case you lose one on the course.

Belt

A belt often slips the mind when packing for golf, especially if you’re not used to wearing one daily. But to steer clear of any dress code mishaps, it’s smart to pack at least one.

Tip: Think about grabbing a double-sided golf belt. Not only does it add more swag to your outfits, but it also saves luggage room by offering versatile style.

Golf Hat

Rain or shine, having a hat when you’re out on the course can make all the difference. If you forget one, buy one from the course! You will want one for the course, plus it will be a cool souvenir!

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are key. Bring your favorite style with UV protection and lightweight frames to protect your eyes on the course and be sure you can keep track of your golf ball as it takes flight. 

ESSENTIALS FOR COMFORT 

Sunscreen and Bug Spray

With any trip, sunblock and bug spray are good to have on-hand. Regardless if there is a chance of rain or sunshine, UV rays are constant. It’s especially important to use while on a golf trip as you’ll likely be outside in the sun for 5+ hours a day.

Tip: Go for a spray sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, it goes on easier while sweating, and get a higher SPF one for your face and neck!

Painkillers, Medications, Pain-Relief Patches 

After long days of golfing (and a couple drinks on the course), your muscles and joints may need a little TLC. Having some kind of pain relievers might really come in handy! 

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ITEMS 

The above packing list is just about everything you need to make your golf trip a breeze! Outside of that list you will need your non-golf packing list and I have a downloadable version for you below.

There is so much that goes into planning a golf trip and it can definitely get stressful. I hope this packing list for your next golf trip makes planning a little easier for you!

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